On paper, it's hard to find a real stand-out match in the tenth round, but with the unpredictability of the season so far it could be a set of blinders. Carlton against West Coast today could be a good clash if both sides come to play, as could the Swans-Bulldogs match tomorrow or the Adelaide and Hawthorn clash on Sunday. Carlton, trounced by the Crows last weekend, and the Eagles, who went down to Collingwood by 22 points, have made wholesale changes to their teams.
After losing Jarrad Waite for the season with a knee injury and Simon Wiggins with a hamstring, the Navy Blues have brought in Brad Fisher for his 2009 debut. Bolstering the side further are the Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin as well as Ryan Houilhan and Jeff Garlett. For the Eagles, Adam Hunter is back and Tom Swift has his first run with the seniors. Tyson Stenglein, Jamie McNamara and Mark LeCras have also been included.
Adelaide have rushed centre half-back Nathan Bock back into the side to give a hand against the Hawks' tall forwards, Buddy Franklin and Jarryd Roughead at the AAMI Stadium. The good news for Richmond fans is that Ben Cousins has been named to return for tomorrow's match. The bad news however is that, against Frementle at Subiaco, they are hardly in for an early final. Tomorrow, Brisbane plays the Kangaroos, and St Kilda should mash Melbourne. On Sunday, Geelong will be too strong for the Bombers, especially after last weekend's close call against the Bulldogs, but Collingwood and Port Adelaide could provide some fireworks.
@Email:pstafford@thenational.ae